Abbreviations
Executive Summary
1.1 Background
1.2 Scope of the EM&A Report
1.3 Organization Structure
1.4 Summary of Construction Works
1.5 Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements
1.6 Status of Statutory Environmental Compliance with the Environmental Permit
1.7 Status of Other Statutory Environmental Requirements
2 EM&A Results for Tung Chung East
2.1 Air Quality
2.2 Noise Monitoring
2.3 Water Quality Monitoring
2.4 Soft Shore Ecological Monitoring
2.5 EM&A Site Inspection
2.6 Waste Management Status
2.7 Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigaion Measures
2.8 Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit
2.9 Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions
3.1 Construction Programme for the Coming Month
3.2 Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month
4 Conclusion and Recommendation
Annexes
Annex A Project Organisation
Annex B Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule
Annex C Status of Submissions and Implementation Status of Mitigation Measures under EP
Annex D Status of Statutory Environmental Requirements
Annex
E Air Quality
Annex E1 Calibration Certificates
Annex E2 Monitoring Schedule
Annex E3 Monitoring Results
Annex E4 Event and Action Plan
Annex
F Noise
Annex F1 Calibration Certificates
Annex F2 Monitoring Schedule
Annex F3 Monitoring Results
Annex F4 Event and Action Plan
Annex
G Water Quality
Annex G1 Calibration Certificates
Annex G2 Monitoring Schedule
Annex G3 Monitoring Results
Annex G4 Event and Action Plan
Annex
H Soft Shore Ecology
Annex H1 Monitoring Schedule
Annex H2 Monitoring Results
Annex H3 Event and Action Plan
Annex J Monitoring Schedule for the Next Reporting Period
Abbreviations
|
C&D |
Construction and Demolition |
|
CAP |
Contamination Assessment Plan |
|
CEDD |
Civil Engineering and Development Department |
|
CWD |
Chinese White Dolphin |
|
DCM |
Deep Cement Mixing |
|
DO |
Dissolved Oxygen |
|
EIA |
Environmental Impact Assessment |
|
EIAO |
Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance |
|
EIS |
Ecologically Important Stream |
|
EM&A |
Environmental Monitoring and Audit |
|
EP |
Environmental Permit |
|
EPD |
Environmental Protection Department |
|
ER |
Engineer's Representative |
|
ERM |
ERM-Hong Kong, Limited |
|
ET |
Environmental Team |
|
HVS |
High Volume Sampler |
|
IEC |
Independent Environmental Checker |
|
PDA |
Planned Development Area |
|
PME |
Powered Mechanical Equipment |
|
QPME |
Quality Powered Mechanical Equipment |
|
RAP |
Remediation Action Plan |
|
RR |
Remediation Report |
|
RTTM |
Real Time Tracking and Monitoring |
|
SS |
Suspended Solid |
|
TCB |
Tung Chung Bay |
|
TCE |
Tung Chung East |
|
TCNTE |
Tung Chung New Town Extension |
|
TCW |
Tung Chung West |
|
The Project |
Tung Chung New Town Extension (East) |
|
THW |
Tai Ho Wan |
|
TSP |
Total Suspended Particulate |
|
Updated EM&A Manual |
Updated Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual for Tung Chung New Town Extension prepared by ERM under Agreement No. CE 60/2017 (EP) and deposited to EPD under Environmental Permit No. EP-519/2016 |
Executive Summary
Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) is one of the major initiatives under the Government's multi-pronged approach to increase land supply to meet Hong Kong's medium- to long-term needs for housing, economic and social developments. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for TCNTE (Register No. AEIAR-196/2016) was approved on 8 April 2016 and the Environmental Permit (EP) No. EP-519/2016, covering the construction and operation of TCNTE, was granted on 9 August 2016. The EIA Report and EP cover both Tung Chung East (TCE) and Tung Chung West (TCW). ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) is commissioned to undertake the role of Environmental Team (ET) for the construction and operation of TCE Project (“the Project”) in accordance with the requirements specified in the EP, Updated Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual, EIA Report of the TCNTE project and other relevant statutory requirements. The construction of the Project commenced on 9 July 2018.
This is the Monthly EM&A report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 to 30 September 2020 for the Project in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.
A summary of monitoring and audit activities conducted in the reporting period is listed below:
Air Quality Monitoring 6 sessions
Noise Monitoring 6 sessions
Water Quality Monitoring 13 sessions
Soft Shore Ecological Monitoring 1 session
Environmental Site Inspection 5 sessions
Environmental Management Meeting 1 session
Environmental auditing works, including weekly site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET, audit of works vessels, audit of implementation of Dolphin Watching Plan, Works Vessel Travel Route Plan, Silt Curtain Deployment Plan, Spill Response Plan and Waste Management Plan were conducted in the reporting period. Based on the audit results and the observation for the reporting period, environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project were properly implemented.
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality
No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels was recorded for construction air quality monitoring in the reporting period.
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Noise
No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels was recorded for construction noise monitoring in the reporting period.
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Suspended Solids (SS) exceedances were recorded during the reporting period. Relevant investigations and follow-up actions were conducted according to the EM&A programme. The exceedances were considered not related to this Project after investigations.
Soft Shore Ecological Monitoring
Based on the impact monitoring conducted during the reporting period, there was no evidence showing any significant difference in intertidal communities when compared against the data obtained during baseline monitoring. The ET will continue to observe the change in density or the distribution pattern of horseshoe crab, seagrass and intertidal soft shore communities taking into account natural fluctuation in respect of the occurrence and distribution pattern.
Environmental Complaints, Non-compliance & Summons
There was no notification of summons or prosecution recorded in the reporting period.
A total of five (5) environmental complaints related to dust emission were received in the reporting period. Investigations were conducted for the environmental complaints in accordance with the complaint handling process as stated in the Complaint Management Plan.
Reporting Change
There was no reporting change in the reporting period.
Key Issues For The Coming Month
Potential environmental impacts arising from the upcoming construction activities in the next reporting period of October 2020 are mainly associated with dust emission, noise from barge and plant operation during normal working hours and restricted hours, elevation in SS due to sediment loss from laying of sand blanket and marine filling works, disturbance to Chinese White Dolphin (CWD) during marine works, handling and storage of C&D materials generated from construction activities, efficiency of wastewater and drainage management and efficiency of flood management for rainy season. The ET will keep track on the construction works to confirm compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures. The ET will also recommend to the Contractor about the environmental toolbox topics on the abovementioned key issues for the coming month.
1
Introduction
1.1
Background
Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) is one of the major initiatives under the Government's multi-pronged approach to increase land supply to meet Hong Kong's medium- to long-term needs for housing, economic and social developments. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for TCNTE (Register No. AEIAR-196/2016) was approved on 8 April 2016 and the Environmental Permit (EP) No. EP-519/2016, covering the construction and operation of TCNTE, was granted on 9 August 2016. The EIA Report and EP cover both Tung Chung East (TCE) and Tung Chung West (TCW).
ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) is commissioned to undertake the role of Environmental Team (ET) for the construction and operation of TCE Project (“the Project”) in accordance with the requirements specified in the EP, Updated Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual ([1]), EIA Report of the TCNTE project ([2]) and other relevant statutory requirements.
The TCE Project (“the Project”) comprises the following elements:
1. Reclamation of the seabed by a non-dredged method at TCE to form a total of about 130 hectares of land;
2. Construction of about 4.9 kilometres of seawalls, with an eco-shoreline, three drainage box culvert outfalls, three circulation drains and a seawater intake at TCE;
3. Construction of a 470-metre (m) long multi-cell drainage box culvert at TCE;
4. Provision of infrastructure for Tung Chung Area 58, including construction of a single two-lane road with a footpath of about 270 m in length and the associated utility works;
5. Construction of roads, footbridges, drainage, sewerage, waterworks, sewage and salt water pumping stations, fresh water and salt water service reservoirs, and flood protection measures;
6. Provision of new cycle tracks connecting to the existing cycle track network;
7. Landscaping, reprovisioning and ancillary works; and
8. Implementation of environmental mitigation measures and environmental monitoring and audit works.
The location of the Project, including the associated infrastructure works, is shown in Figure 1.1. The construction and the reclamation related marine works of the Project commenced on 9 and 13 July 2018, respectively.
1.2
Scope of the EM&A Report
This is the Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 30 September 2020 for the construction works.
1.3
Organization Structure
The organization structure of the Project is shown in Annex A. The key personnel contact names and contact details are summarized in Table 1.1 below.
Table 1.1 Contact Information of Key Personnel
|
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
|
Civil Engineering and Development Department
|
Senior Engineer |
Lo Siu Keung |
2231 4426 |
|
Marine Conservation Officer
|
Wo King Tai |
3894 9707 |
|
|
Engineer’s Representative (ER) (AECOM Asia Company Limited)
|
Principal Resident Engineer Chief Resident Engineer |
Frankie Fan
Dennis Leung |
3894 9403
3894 9404 |
|
Senior Resident Engineer |
Chris Cheung |
3894 9605 |
|
|
Resident Engineer |
Vincent Leung |
3894 9645 |
|
|
Senior Inspector of Works
|
C K Liu |
3894 9733 |
|
|
Environmental Team (ET) (ERM-Hong Kong, Limited)
|
ET Leader |
Jovy Tam |
3894 9507 |
|
Deputy ET Leader |
Raymond Chow |
3894 9504 |
|
|
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) (Black & Veatch Hong Kong Limited)
|
IEC |
Manuel Chua |
3894 9501 |
|
Deputy IEC
|
Ivan Ting |
3894 9502 |
|
|
Contractor (Contract No. NL/2017/03 TCNTE – Reclamation and Advance Works) (Build King – SCT Joint Venture)
|
Site Agent |
Keith Tse |
3903 1503 |
|
Construction Team Leader |
Lee Wai Man |
3903 1520 |
|
|
Environmental Officer |
Donna Tso |
3903 1580 |
|
|
24-hour Complaint Hotline
|
- |
9862 2910 |
1.4
Summary of Construction Works
As informed by the Contractor, details of the major works carried out in this reporting period are listed below:
Table 1.2 Major Activities in the Reporting Period
|
Activities |
Key Issues |
Key Mitigation Measures |
|
Land-based Works |
|
|
|
· Ground investigation works · Land DCM works and jet grouting · Placing of sorted public fill · Box culvert construction · Chain link fence erection and U-channel construction |
· Dust emission · Handling and storage of C&D materials generated from construction activities · Noise from plant operation · Emission of dark smoke from PMEs · Efficiency of wastewater and drainage management · Efficiency of flood management for rainy season |
· Good site practices · Regular water spraying on stockpiles, unpaved haul road and land filling area · Provide tarpaulin sheets coverage on stockpiles · Sorting and reuse of C&D materials as far as practicable · Use of QPME and noise barrier/acoustic mat · Regular maintenance of PMEs · Implementation of wastewater and drainage management |
|
Marine-based Works |
|
|
|
· Laying of geotextile and sand blanket for reclamation works and DCM works · Marine-based instruments monitoring works · Placing of sorted public fill · DCM works · Seawall construction |
· Elevation in impact on Water Quality due to sediment loss from sand blanket laying and marine filling works · Potential surface runoff · Potential filling material drop from barges · Disturbance to Chinese White Dolphin · Noise from marine vessels and plant operation during normal working hours or restricted hours · Dust emission during storage and transfer of sand/ sorted public fill · Emission of dark smoke from marine vessel
|
· Provision of perimeter silt curtain · Provision of a leading seawall of at least 200m before marine filling works · Regular cleaning of accumulated sand/fill materials at the edge of the barges · Implementation of Dolphin Watching for the marine-based works · Strictly follow requirement under CNP for the use of PMEs and works within restricted period · Use of acoustic mat and other noise mitigation measures when necessary · Regular maintenance of engines and mechanical equipment |
The environmental mitigation implementation schedule is presented in Annex B.
1.5
Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements
The status for all environmental aspects are presented in Table 1.3. The EM&A requirements remained unchanged during the reporting period.
Table 1.3 Summary of Status for the Environmental Aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual
|
Parameters |
Status |
|
Air Quality |
|
|
Baseline Monitoring |
The results of baseline air quality monitoring for TCE were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4
|
|
Impact Monitoring |
On-going for TCE, monitoring conducted three times every six days |
|
|
|
|
Noise |
|
|
Baseline Monitoring |
The results of baseline noise monitoring for TCE were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4
|
|
Impact Monitoring |
On-going for TCE, monitoring conducted once per week
|
|
Impact Monitoring for Road Traffic Noise during Operational Phase
|
To be conducted during operational phase |
|
Fixed Noise Commissioning Test |
To be implemented by the Contractor before operation of TCNTE |
|
|
|
|
Water Quality |
|
|
Baseline Monitoring |
The results of baseline water quality monitoring for TCE were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4
|
|
Impact Monitoring |
On-going for TCE, monitoring conducted three times per week |
|
|
|
|
Waste Management |
|
|
Waste Monitoring |
On-going |
|
|
|
|
Land Contamination |
|
|
Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP), Remediation Action Plan (RAP) and Remediation Report (RR) |
Pending environmental site investigation and lab testing works for TCW |
|
|
|
|
Ecology |
|
|
Monitoring for Compensation Woodland
|
To be conducted when compensation woodland are planted |
|
Monitoring for Emergent Plant inside the future River Park
|
To be conducted in the future River Park |
|
Monitoring for Translocated Amphibians of Conservation Importance
|
To be conducted after translocation |
|
Monitoring for Preserved/Transplanted Plant Species of Conservation Importance
|
To be conducted after preservation/ transplantation |
|
Monitoring for Tung Chung Stream EIS and Wong Lung Hang EIS
|
To be conducted under TCW |
|
Eco-shoreline Monitoring |
To be conducted when eco-shoreline at TCE PDA and Road P1 is built
|
|
Tung Chung Bay and Tai Ho Wan Baseline Monitoring |
The results of baseline soft shore ecological monitoring at Tung Chung Bay and Tai Ho Wan were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4
|
|
Tung Chung Bay and Tai Ho Wan Impact Monitoring |
On-going for TCE, monitoring conducted quarterly |
|
|
|
|
Landscape and Visual |
|
|
Baseline Monitoring |
The results of baseline landscape and visual monitoring were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4 |
|
|
|
|
Site Environmental Audit |
|
|
Regular Site Inspection
|
On-going |
|
Dolphin Watching Plan implementation measures
|
Under implementation by the Contractor |
|
Works Vessel Travel Route Plan implementation measures
|
Under implementation by the Contractor |
|
Silt Curtain Deployment Plan implementation measures |
Under implementation by the Contractor |
|
|
|
|
Spill Response Plan implementation measures |
Under implementation by the Contractor |
|
|
|
|
Waste Management Plan implementation measures |
Under implementation by the Contractor |
|
|
|
|
Complaint Hotline and Email Channel
|
Under implementation by the Contractor |
|
Environmental Log Book |
On-going |
Taking into account the construction works, impact monitoring of air quality, noise, water quality, soft shore ecological monitoring and waste management were carried out in the reporting period. The monitoring schedule of air quality, noise, water quality monitoring and soft shore ecological monitoring are provided in Annex E2, Annex F2, Annex G2 and Annex H1, respectively.
The EM&A programme also involved environmental site inspections and related auditing conducted by the ET for checking the implementation of the required environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report and relevant EP submissions, including Dolphin Watching Plan, Works Vessel Travel Route Plan, Silt Curtain Deployment Plan, Spill Response Plan and Waste Management Plan.
To promote the environmental awareness and enhance the environmental performance of the contractors, environmental trainings and regular environmental management meetings were conducted during the reporting period, which are summarized as below:
Ÿ One (1) environmental management committee meeting was held with the Contractor, ER, ET, IEC and CEDD on 16 September 2020; and
Ÿ Environmental toolbox trainings on chemical spillage, Construction Noise Permit, environmental label on machines, Dolphin Watching Plan, the deployment of drip tray for chemicals, Works Vessel Travel Route Plan, waste management and dust suppression measures on 2, 7, 11, 12, 16, 18, 25 and 30 September 2020.
1.6
Status of Statutory Environmental Compliance with the
Environmental Permit
The status of statutory environmental compliance with the EP conditions under the EIAO, submission status under the EP and implementation status of mitigation measures are presented in Annex C.
1.7
Status of Other Statutory
Environmental Requirements
The environmental licenses and permits, including environmental permit, waste discharge license, registration as chemical waste producer and construction noise permit, which were valid in the reporting period are presented in Annex D. No non-compliance with environmental statutory requirements was recorded.
2
EM&A Results for Tung Chung East
The EM&A programme for the Project required environmental monitoring for air quality, noise, water quality and marine ecology as well as environmental site inspections for air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, marine ecology and landscape and visual impacts. The EM&A requirements and related findings for each component are summarized in the following sections.
2.1
Air Quality
2.1.1
Monitoring Requirements and Equipment
According to the Updated EM&A Manual of the Project, impact air quality monitoring in terms of 1-hour Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) was conducted three (3) times every six (6) days when the highest dust impact was expected. The Action and Limit Levels of the air quality monitoring is provided in Table 2.1 below.
Table 2.1 Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP
|
Location |
Action Level, µg/m3 |
Limit Level, µg/m3 |
|
Monitoring station for Tung Chung East |
279 |
500 |
Portable direct reading dust meters were used to measure 1-hour TSP levels in undertaking the air quality monitoring for the Project. The proposed use of portable direct reading dust meters was submitted to IEC and obtained agreement from the IEC as stated in Section 5.5 of the Updated EM&A Manual. With the use of direct reading dust meter, it can allow prompt and direct results for the EM&A reporting and the implementation of the event and action plan. The portable direct reading dust meter would be calibrated every year against High Volume Sampler (HVS) to check the validity and accuracy of the results measured by direct reading method.
The monitoring location and equipment used in the impact air quality monitoring programme are summarized in Table 2.2 and illustrated in Figure 2.1. Copies of the calibration certificates for the equipment are presented in Annex E1, which showed that the portable direct reading dust meter is capable of providing comparable results with that provided by a HVS.
Table 2.2 Air Quality Monitoring Details
|
Monitoring Station |
Location |
Parameter |
Frequency and Duration |
Monitoring Dates |
Equipment |
|
DM-1 |
Tung Chung Area 56 – Ying Tung Estate |
1-hour TSP |
Three times per six days during the construction period of the Project |
2, 8, 14, 19, 25 and 30 September 2020 |
1-hour TSP Dust Meter SIBATA LD-5R (S/N: 831656) and SIBATA LD-3B (S/N: 436553) |
|
Remark: It should be noted that impact monitoring at other construction dust monitoring locations at TCE as stated in the Updated EM&A Manual will commence after the flat intake (for Monitoring Stations DM-2, DM-3 and DM-4). |
|||||
2.1.2
Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month
The schedule for air quality monitoring during the reporting period is provided in Annex E2.
2.1.3
Results and Observations
The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP are summarized in Table 2.3. The monitoring data and the graphical presentation are provided in Annex E3.
Table 2.3 Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period
|
Monitoring Station |
Average (µg/m3) |
Range (µg/m3) |
Action Level (µg/m3) |
Limit Level (µg/m3) |
|
DM-1 |
28 |
12-60 |
279 |
500 |
The major dust sources in the reporting period included haul road traffic, unloading of sand/fill material, filling works and operation of marine vessels under the Project as well as nearby traffic emissions.
No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels was recorded for construction air quality monitoring in the reporting period. No action is thus required to be undertaken in accordance with the Event and Action Plan presented in Annex E4.
2.2
Noise Monitoring
2.2.1
Monitoring Requirements and Equipment
According to the Updated EM&A Manual of the Project, impact noise monitoring was conducted once per week during the construction phase of the Project. The Action and Limit Level for construction noise of the Project is provided in Table 2.4 below.
Table 2.4 Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise
|
Time Period |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
0700 - 1900 hours on normal weekdays |
When one documented complaint is received |
75 dB(A) * |
Notes:
Limit level is exceeded when Leq ≥ 75 dB(A). If works are to be carried out during restricted hours, the conditions stipulated in the construction noise permit issued by the Noise Control Authority have to be followed.
* Reduce to 70 dB (A) for schools and 65 dB (A) during school examination periods.
Noise monitoring was performed using sound level meter at the designated monitoring stations NMS-CA-1A ([3]) ([4]) and NMS-CA-4 (Figure 2.2; Table 2.5) in accordance with the requirements stipulated in the Updated EM&A Manual. Acoustic calibrator was deployed to check the sound level meters at a known sound pressure level. Details of the deployed equipment are provided in Table 2.5. Copies of the calibration certificates for the equipment are presented in Annex F1.
Table 2.5 Noise Monitoring Details
|
Monitoring Station (a) |
Location |
Parameter |
Frequency and Duration |
Monitoring Dates |
Equipment |
|
NMS-CA-1A (b) |
Residential premise in Tung Chung East – Century Link/Ying Hong Road (c)
|
30-minute measurement between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays (Monday to Saturday). Leq, L10 and L90 would be recorded. |
Once per week for 30 mins during the construction period of the Project |
2, 8, 14, 19, 25 and 30 September 2020 |
Sound Level Meter: Rion NL-52 (S/N: 00331805)
Acoustic Calibrator: LARSON DAVIS CAL200 (S/N: 11333) |
|
NMS-CA-4 |
Residential premise in the reclamation area next to Tung Chung East – Ying Tung Estate
|
|
|||
|
Remarks: (a) It should be noted that impact monitoring at other construction noise monitoring locations at TCE as stated in the Updated EM&A Manual will commence after the flat intake of residential premise in TCE (for Monitoring Station NMS-CA-1) and operation of schools (for Monitoring Stations NMS-CA-2 and NMS-CA-3). (b) Impact monitoring at monitoring station NMS-CA-1A commenced on 19 September 2018 in view of the close vicinity of the construction works near the residential area at Century Link. (c) Due to land handover issue, NMS-CA-1A was relocated to Ying Hong Road which is located 60m away from the original location. Proposal on the relocation of NMS-CA-1A was approved by IEC on 23 November 2018. Noise monitoring at the relocated location commenced since 24 November 2018. |
|||||
2.2.2
Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month
The schedule for noise monitoring during the reporting period is provided in Annex F2.
2.2.3
Results and Observations
Results for noise monitoring are summarized in Table 2.6. The monitoring data and the graphical presentation are provided in Annex F3.
Table 2.6 Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period
|
Monitoring Station |
Average , dB(A), Leq (30mins) |
Range, dB(A), Leq (30mins) |
Limit Level, dB(A), Leq (30mins) |
|
NMS-CA-1A |
66.2 |
65.1-67.1 |
75 |
|
NMS-CA-4 |
70.1 |
67.7-71.5 |
75 |
Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included noise from barge and plant operation, DCM works, craning, haul road traffic and nearby traffic noise and aircraft noise.
No Action and Limit Level exceedance was recorded for construction noise monitoring in the reporting period.
2.3
Water Quality Monitoring
2.3.1
Monitoring Requirements and Equipment
Impact water quality monitoring was carried out to ensure that any deterioration of water quality was detected, and that timely action was taken to rectify the situation. Impact water quality monitoring was undertaken three days per week since the commencement of marine works during the reporting period in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual. Each impact water quality monitoring was scheduled such that the interval between two impact water quality monitoring was more than 36 hours to record representative water quality data throughout the week during the marine works.
Two (2) replicate in-situ measurements and samples were collected at each monitored water depth of each designated monitoring stations. Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH value, salinity, temperature and turbidity were measured in-situ whereas the level of suspended solids (SS) were determined by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd which is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory.
The Action and Limit Levels of the water quality monitoring are provided in Table 2.7.
Table 2.7 Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality
|
Parameters |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
DO in mg/L (Surface, Middle & Bottom) |
Surface and Middle 5.9 mg/L [1]
Bottom 5.6 mg/L |
Surface and Middle 4 mg/L [1]
Bottom 2 mg/L
|
|
SS in mg/L (Depth-averaged) |
13.5 mg/L
|
23.5 mg/L |
|
Turbidity in NTU (Depth-averaged) |
17.1 NTU |
23.5 NTU |
Notes:
(1) For DO, non-compliance occurs when monitoring results is lower than the limits.
(2) For SS and Turbidity, non-compliance occurs when monitoring results is larger than the limits
The locations of the monitoring stations under the Project are shown in Figure 2.3 and Table 2.8.
Table 2.8 Locations of Impact Water Quality Monitoring Stations and the Corresponding Monitoring Requirements
|
Monitoring Station |
Description |
Coordinates |
Parameters (a) |
Frequency |
Monitoring Dates (b) |
Depth |
|||
|
|
|
Easting |
Northing |
|
|
|
|||
|
TCE-WQM1 |
Near Airport Channel |
811838 |
817341 |
Ÿ Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L and % saturation) Ÿ Temperature (°C) Ÿ Turbidity (NTU) Ÿ Salinity (ppt) Ÿ pH Ÿ Water depth (m) Ÿ Suspended Solid (SS) (mg/L) |
Impact monitoring: 3 days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides during the construction period of the Project
|
2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30 September 2020 |
3 water depths: 1m below sea surface, mid-depth and 1m above seabed. If the water depth is less than 3m, mid-depth sampling only. If water depth less than 6m, mid-depth may be omitted |
||
|
TCE-WQM2a |
Marine Park 1 |
814439 |
819879 |
||||||
|
TCE-WQM2b |
Marine Park 2 |
814439 |
821905 |
||||||
|
TCE-WQM3A |
Outlet of Tai Ho Wan |
814705 |
817859 |
||||||
|
TCE-WQM4 |
HKBCF |
813344 |
818849 |
||||||
|
TCE-C1 |
Control Station - Outside Airport Channel |
804247 |
815620 |
||||||
|
TCE-C2 |
Control Station - Sunny Bay |
819460 |
821473 |
||||||
|
|
Notes: |
||||||||
|
|
(a) In addition to the abovementioned parameters, other relevant data shall also be recorded, including monitoring location / position, time, water depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway at the construction site. |
||||||||
Table 2.9 summarizes the equipment used in the impact water quality monitoring works. Copies of the calibration certificates are attached in Annex G1.
Table 2.9 Water Quality Monitoring Equipment
|
Equipment |
Model |
|
Water Sampler |
Kahlsico Water Samplers |
|
Multi-parameter Water Quality System (measurement of DO, Temperature, Turbidity, Salinity and pH) (Note 1) |
YSI ProDSS (S/N: 16H104233, 17E100747); YSI 6920 v2 (S/N: 0001C6A7)
|
|
Note 1: One multi-parameter water quality system was used at each monitoring station during each survey day. |
|
2.3.2
Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month
The schedule for water quality monitoring during the reporting period is provided in Annex G2.
2.3.3
Results and Observations
A total of 13 monitoring events for impact water quality monitoring were conducted at all designated monitoring stations during the reporting period. Impact water quality monitoring results and graphical presentations are provided in Annex G3.
Action and Limit level exceedances were recorded for water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period and the event and action plan (Annex G4) was undertaken. Investigations on the action and limit level exceedances were conducted and summarized in Table 2.10 below.
Table 2.10 Details of Exceedances Recorded for Water Quality Monitoring
|
Date |
Tide |
Parameter |
Station |
Type |
Justification |
|
|
|
2 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
4 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
7 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
9 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
11 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
14 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(e) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
SS |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
(a) |
|
||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
16 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
18 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
21 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
SS |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
(b) |
|
||
|
23 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
25 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
28 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
(e) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
30 September 2020 |
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) |
|
|
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
ME |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM1 |
Action |
(c) (d) |
|
||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM3A |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (S&M) |
TCE-WQM4 |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2a |
Action |
|
|||
|
MF |
DO (B) |
TCE-WQM2b |
Action |
|
|||
|
Remarks: |
|||||||
|
(a) |
The exceedance was not considered as caused by the construction of the Project due to areas of reclamation related marine works undertaken under the Project were surrounded by silt curtain which were inspected daily by the Contractor and inspected periodically by ER. The silt curtain nearby the water quality monitoring stations was observed to be in good condition/well-functioning. |
||||||
|
(b) |
The exceedance was not considered as caused by the construction of the Project due to no sediment plume was observed nearby the water quality monitoring station during the sampling in mid-ebb/mid-flood tide. |
||||||
|
(c) |
The exceedance was not considered as caused by the construction of the Project due to the monitoring result was similar to the corresponding upstream/control station(s). |
||||||
|
(d) |
The exceedance was not considered as caused by the construction of the Project due to the corresponding upstream/control station(s) already exceeded the Action Level during the same tide. |
||||||
|
(e) |
The exceedance
was not considered as caused by the construction of the Project due to the
change in dissolved oxygen level at water quality monitoring station was
consistent and therefore it was unlikely caused by specific source of
disturbance nor project related activities |
||||||
Based on the investigations conducted for each of the monitoring day with exceedances, the exceedances of DO are likely caused by seasonal fluctuation and the exceedance of SS is not likely caused by the work activities related to the Project.
In addition, low levels of DO were recorded during previous two summer periods. This further suggested that exceedances of DO are likely caused by seasonal fluctuation and a similar trend of lower levels of DO would likely occur again during this summer period.
Nevertheless, the Contractor was reminded to implement all relevant mitigation measures for the marine works, including regular checking of silt curtain integrity, provide periodic maintenance and maintain good site practice. The ET will keep on checking monitoring data, plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods.
2.4
Soft Shore Ecological Monitoring
2.4.1
Monitoring Requirements
According to the Updated EM&A Manual of the Project, impact soft shore ecological monitoring has to be conducted quarterly at each survey location at Tung Chung Bay (TCB) and Tai Ho Wan (THW) covering wet and dry seasons during the marine construction of the Project. The soft shore ecological monitoring consisted of qualitative walk-through surveys, quantitative transect surveys and sedimentation rate monitoring at the accessible survey locations of TCB and THW.
For qualitative walk-through surveys, the accessible shoreline of TCB and THW at each of the three shore heights: 2 m, 1.5 m and 1 m above Chart Datum was surveyed, and organisms encountered were recorded and their relative abundance noted. In particular, active search of horseshoe crabs and seagrasses were conducted to confirm whether these species are present along the sites.
For quantitative transect survey, one 50 – 100 m horizontal (belt) transect (actual length subject to the site conditions) was surveyed at each of the three shore heights: 2 m, 1.5 m and 1 m above Chart Datum of each survey location. On each transect, five quadrats (50 cm x 50 cm) were placed randomly in each transect to assess the abundance and distribution of flora and fauna. For each quadrat, surface layer to 5 cm depth was sieved and microbenthic organisms (e.g. crustaceans) were recorded and identified. Density of organisms was expressed as individuals / m2. Areas with seagrass were also recorded and identified and other information, such as the percentage cover, were also recorded. Sessile animals such as barnacles and oysters in each quadrat were not counted but estimated as percentage cover on the rock surface. All species of algae (encrusting, foliose and filamentous) were also identified and recorded by estimating the percentage cover on the rock surface. All organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level (at least Genus level). Species encountered outside the quadrat but in the vicinity of survey transect were also recorded.
For sedimentation rate monitoring, to avoid disturbance to the mudflat and nuisance to navigation, no fixed marker/monitoring rod was installed at the monitoring stations. A high precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) real time location fixing system was used to locate the station in the precision of 1 mm, which is reasonable under flat mudflat topography with uneven mudflat surface only at micro level.
Measurements were taken directly on the mudflat surface. The Real Time Kinematic GNSS (RTK GNSS) surveying technology was used to measure mudflat surface levels and 3D coordinates of a survey point. The RTK GNSS survey was calibrated against a reference station in the field before and after each survey. The reference station is a survey control point established by the Lands Department of the HKSAR Government using professional surveying instruments such as total station, level and geodetic global navigation satellite system. The coordinates system is in HK1980 GRID system. The reference station was surveyed and established by traditional land surveying methods using professional surveying instruments such as total station, level and geodetic GNSS. The accuracy was down to mm level and higher than the proposed RTK GNSS cm level so that the reference control station has relatively higher accuracy. As the reference control station has higher accuracy, it was set as true evaluation relative to the RTK GNSS measurement. All position and height correction were adjusted and corrected to the reference control station.
The precision of the measured mudflat surface level reading (vertical precision setting) was within 10 mm (standard deviation) after averaging the valid survey records of the XYZ HK1980 GRID coordinates. Each survey record at each station was computed by averaging at least three measurements that are within the above specified precision setting. Both digital data logging and written records were collected in the field. Field data on station fixing and mudflat surface measurement were recorded.
2.4.2
Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month
The schedule for soft shore ecological monitoring during the reporting period is provided in Annex H1.
2.4.3
Results and Observations
Impact soft shore ecological monitoring was conducted at three (3) monitoring locations at Tung Chung Bay (TCB), situated in the eastern side (TCB1), southern side (TCB2) and western side (TCB3) as well as one (1) monitoring location at Tai Ho Wan (THW) as shown in Figure 2.4 during the reporting period. Representative photographs taken during the impact monitoring are presented in Figure 2.5.
For qualitative walk-through surveys, horseshoe crabs and intertidal soft shore communities were recorded during the impact monitoring. The survey results for each monitoring location are summarized in Table 2.11 below and detailed in Annex H2.
Table 2.11 Summary of Qualitative Walk-through Surveys
|
Date and Time (1) |
Location |
Horseshoe Crabs |
Seagrass |
No. of Other Intertidal Species |
||
|
No. of Species |
No. of Individuals |
No. of Species |
Area Coverage (m2) |
|||
|
2/9/2020
|
TCB1 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
53 |
|
2/9/2020
|
TCB2 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
54 |
|
3/9/2020
|
TCB3 |
2 |
13 |
1 |
41 |
48 |
|
14/9/2020
|
THW |
1 |
22 |
0 |
0 |
56 |
Note:
(1) For qualitative walk-through surveys, surveys were conducted on 2 September 2020 at TCB1 and TCB2, 3 September at TCB3 and on 14 September at THW. For quantitative transect surveys, surveys were conducted on 1 September 2020 at TCB1 and TCB2, 3 September 2020 at TCB3 and 14 September at THW.
For the quantitative transect surveys, a total of 5,481 individuals were recorded from all transects at monitoring stations TCB1, TCB2, TCB3 and THW. The most abundant group of intertidal soft shore communities recorded was gastropods, with a total of 5,262 individuals (relative abundance of 96.0% and density of 350.8 individual m-2). The summary of the top three dominant species at each shore height of each monitoring station and the complete list of species and density recorded are presented in Annex H2. When compared with the results obtained during the baseline monitoring as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report ([5]), higher number of intertidal species were recorded at each monitoring location, though the abundance / density of intertidal communities was observed to be lowered. Nevertheless, there is no indication of change in composition of intertidal communities during the reporting period.
The mudflat surface levels at the four selected monitoring stations in September 2020 and the corresponding XYZ HK1980 GRID coordinates are presented in Table 2.12. When compared with the results obtained during the baseline monitoring as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report (1), the sediment levels at TCB2 monitoring stations have decreased while the sediment levels at TCB1, TCB3 and THW monitoring stations have increased. The ET will continue to observe the trend of change in sediment levels over time for further comparison and review.
Table 2.12 Results of Sedimentation Rate Monitoring
|
Monitoring Station |
Northing (m) |
Easting (m) |
Z level at September 2020 (mPD) |
Remarks |
|
TCB1 |
816068.751 |
811129.237 |
1.269 |
Soft mudflat |
|
TCB2 |
815812.728 |
810917.369 |
1.106 |
Soft mudflat |
|
TCB3 |
816027.437 |
810696.200 |
1.061 |
Soft mudflat |
|
THW |
817470.876 |
815849.903 |
1.076 |
Soft mudflat |
Based on the impact monitoring results, there was no evidence showing any significant difference in intertidal communities when compared against the data obtained during baseline monitoring. No action is thus required to be undertaken in accordance with the Event and Action Plan presented in Annex H3. The ET will continue to observe the change in density or the distribution pattern of horseshoe crab, seagrass and intertidal soft shore communities taking into account natural fluctuation in respect of the occurrence and distribution pattern.
2.5
EM&A Site Inspection
Site inspections were carried out on a weekly basis with the Contractor and ER to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, marine ecology and landscape and visual impacts under the Project. In the reporting period, five (5) site inspections were carried out on 3, 10, 16, 24 and 30 September 2020.
Key observations during the site inspections are summarized in Table 2.13.
Table 2.13 Key Observations Identified during the Site Inspection in this Reporting Month
|
Inspection Date |
Environmental Observations |
Recommendations/ Remarks |
|
3 September 2020
|
DCM barge (DJ7) Ÿ Hole was observed on the drip tray.
Ÿ Spill kit was not properly stored.
Tung Chung East Reclamation Area Ÿ The alignment of the silt curtain was deformed. |
DCM barge (DJ7) Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to seal the hole. Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to place spill kit at designated location.
Tung Chung East Reclamation Area Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to carry out maintenance. |
|
10 September 2020
|
WA1 · Oil stain was observed.
· Chemical container was observed without drip tray.
|
WA1 Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to remove the oil stain via correct chemical waste handling procedure. Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray to chemical containers. As repeated observations on similar items were recorded, Contractor was suggested to provide training/toolbox talk on chemical control. |
|
16 September 2020 |
Tung Chung East Reclamation Area · Gaps were observed between silt curtain.
Area C1 · Drip tray was observed placed on soft mud surface.
· Chemical container was observed not placed on drip tray.
Area B2 · Stockpile was observed not covered by tarpaulin sheet/green net.
WA1 · Dust was observed from haul road. |
Tung Chung East Reclamation Area Ÿ The Contractor was reminded carry maintenance or install additional silt curtain between gaps.
Area C1 Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to place the drip tray in appropriate location to avoid chemicals spillage. Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray for chemicals and training should be provided to workers regarding the appropriate method for chemicals storage.
Area B2 Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to cover the stockpile with tarpaulin sheet/green net to avoid windblown dust.
WA1 Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to apply watering immediately. |
|
24 September 2020 |
Area C1 and Area C2 · Drip tray was not closed or sealed.
· Chemical containers were observed not placed on drip tray.
|
Area C1 and Area C2 Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to close or seal the drain hole. Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray or place chemical containers in appropriate location to avoid chemicals spillage. |
|
30 September 2020 |
WA1 Ÿ Chemical containers were not placed on drip tray.
Ÿ Haul road was in dry condition.
Ÿ Accumulated general refuse was observed not placed in the skip.
Tung Chung East Reclamation Area · Dark smoke was observed from marine vessel.
|
WA1 Ÿ The Contractor was urged to provide additional training/toolbox talk on chemical control and place chemical containers on drip tray. Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to maintain watering and enhance watering frequency. Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to maintain better housekeeping.
Tung Chung East Reclamation Area Ÿ The Contractor was reminded to check the dark smoke emission from marine vessels and carry out maintenance.
|
The Contractor has rectified all of the observations identified during environmental site inspections in the reporting period. The Contractor was reminded to implement all relevant mitigation measures related to construction dust, construction noise, water quality and waste management outlined in the EIA Report and EM&A Manual.
2.6
Waste Management Status
The Contractor has registered as chemical waste producer under the Contract. Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for general refuse collection and sorting.
All dump trucks engaged on site was equipped with RTTM system during the reporting period. The Surveillance Team of the ET conducted regular site inspection on the dump trucks and their track records. No illegal dumping and landfilling of C&D materials was found during the reporting period.
Wastes generated during this reporting period include mainly non-inert construction wastes, chemical waste and recyclable materials. The Project imports fill materials including mainly sand and public fill. In addition, the Project reuses inert construction materials from other projects which are not generated by the Project for reclamation activities i.e. imported fill (sand) for sand blanket. Reference has been made to the waste flow table prepared by the Contractor. The quantities of different types of wastes and imported fill materials are summarised in Table 2.14.
Table 2.14 Quantities of Different Waste Generated and Imported Fill Materials
|
Month/ Year |
Inert C&D Materials (a) (m3) |
Imported Fill (d) (sand) (m3) |
Imported Fill (d) (public fill) (m3) |
Inert Construction Waste Re-used (m3) |
Non-inert Construction Waste (b) (m3) |
Recyclable Materials (c) (kg) |
Chemical Wastes (kg) |
|
|
|||||||
|
1 to 31 Jul 20 |
0 |
252,867 |
273,805 |
438 |
71.0 |
269,094 |
6,400 |
|
1 to 31 Aug 20 |
0 |
219,985 |
199,061 |
0 |
39.0 |
200 |
0 |
|
1 to 30 Sep 20 |
0 |
232,861 |
239,125 |
0 |
160.0 |
398,630 |
3,200 |
|
Notes: (a) Inert construction wastes include hard rock and large broken concrete, and materials disposed as public fill. (b) Non-inert construction wastes include general refuse disposed at landfill. (c) Recyclable materials include metals, paper, cardboard, plastics and others. (d) Imported fill materials include sand and public fill. (e) No glass cullet was imported in the reporting period. |
|
||||||
2.7
Implementation Status of
Environmental Mitigation Measures
A summary of the Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule is presented in Annex B. The necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly for the Project.
2.8
Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality
Performance Limit
Action and Limit level exceedances were recorded for water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period. The investigations on the action and limit level exceedances were conducted and the results were summarized in Section 2.3.3.
Cumulative statistics on exceedances is provided in Annex I.
2.9
Summary of Complaints, Notification
of Summons and Successful Prosecutions
There was no notification of summons or prosecution recorded in the reporting period.
A total of five (5) environmental complaints were received in the reporting period. Investigations were conducted for the environmental complaints in accordance with the complaint handling process as stated in the Complaint Management Plan. Environmental complaints in the reporting period are summarized below.
|
|
Complaint(s) |
Investigation/Follow up action(s) |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Environmental complaint related to air pollution at the site area near the roundabout at the end of Ying Tung Road near Ying Tung Estate was received on 3 September 2020.
|
Based on the information provided by the Contractor, supplemented site inspection and air quality monitoring, there was no non-compliance observed. Nevertheless, the Contractor was urged to increase the green net coverage for exposed area and further increase the coverage/frequency of the water spraying in dry weather condition immediately. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Environmental complaint related to dust issue near The Visionary was received on 8 September 2020.
|
Based on the information provided by the Contractor, supplemented air quality monitoring, the complaint was unlikely due to the Tung Chung New Town Extension (East) project. Nevertheless, the Contractor was reminded to ensure all vehicles under the Tung Chung New Town Extension (East) project will be cleaned before leaving the site.
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
Environmental complaint related to dusty road condition at Ying Hei Road was received on 8 September 2020. |
Based on the information provided by the Contractor, supplemented air quality monitoring, the complaint case was likely due to the vehicles not being cleaned properly by the wheel washing bay and therefore debris/dirt were carried out of the project site area. The Contractor agreed to provide additional wheel washing bay to further improve the wheel washing arrangement and ensure that any debris/dirt on the road surface would be cleaned to minimize disturbance to the public. |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
Environmental complaint related to spillage of C&D materials was received on 23 September 2020.
|
Based on the information provided by the Contractor, the complaint case was likely due to vehicles not being cleaned properly by the wheel washing bay thus debris/dirt were carried out of the project site area and washed away to the gully by the worker when road cleaning was conducted. The Contractor deployed sand bunds around the gully and assigned worker for the cleaning task to ensure that any debris/dirt on the road surface would be cleaned and removed without discharging to the gully. Nevertheless, the Contractor was urged to improve the wheel washing performance. |
|
5 |
Environmental complaint related to dust emission from reclamation area was received on 25 September 2020. |
Based on the information provided by the Contractor, there was no non-compliance observed. Nevertheless, the Contractor was reminded to maintain proper cover of the stockpiles and to increase the coverage of the sprinkler system and watering frequency, in particular during dry season. |
|
|
|
|
Statistics on complaints, notifications of summons, successful prosecutions are summarised in Annex I.
3
Future Key Issues
3.1
Construction Programme for the Coming Month
Works to be undertaken in the next monitoring period of October 2020 are summarized in Table 3.1 below, together with the key issues and the key mitigation measures:
Table 3.1 Major Activities for the Next Reporting Period
|
Activities |
Key Issues |
Key Mitigation Measures |
|
Land-based Works |
|
|
|
· Ground investigation works · Land DCM works and jet grouting · Placing of sorted public fill · Box culvert construction · Chain link fence erection and U-channel construction |
· Dust emission · Handling and storage of C&D materials generated from construction activities · Noise from plant operation · Emission of dark smoke from PMEs · Efficiency of wastewater and drainage management · Efficiency of flood management for rainy season |
· Good site practices · Regular water spraying on stockpiles, unpaved haul road and land filling area · Provide tarpaulin sheets coverage on stockpiles · Sorting and reuse of C&D materials as far as practicable · Use of QPME and noise barrier/acoustic mat · Regular maintenance of PMEs · Implementation of wastewater and drainage management |
|
Marine-based Works |
|
|
|
· Laying of geotextile and sand blanket for reclamation works and DCM works · Marine-based instruments monitoring works · Placing of sorted public fill · DCM works · Seawall construction |
· Elevation in impact on Water Quality due to sediment loss from sand blanket laying and marine filling works · Potential surface runoff · Potential filling material drop from barges · Disturbance to Chinese White Dolphin · Noise from marine vessels and plant operation during normal working hours or restricted hours · Dust emission during storage and transfer of sand/ sorted public fill · Emission of dark smoke from marine vessel
|
· Provision of perimeter silt curtain · Provision of a leading seawall of at least 200m before marine filling works · Regular cleaning of accumulated sand/fill materials at the edge of the barges · Implementation of Dolphin Watching for the marine-based works · Strictly follow requirement under CNP for the use of PMEs and works within restricted period · Use of acoustic mat and other noise mitigation measures when necessary · Regular maintenance of engines and mechanical equipment |
The ET will keep track on the construction works to confirm compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures. The ET will also recommend to the Contractor about the environmental toolbox topics on the abovementioned key issues for the next reporting period.
3.2
Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month
The tentative schedules for environmental monitoring in October 2020 are provided in Annex J.
4
Conclusion and Recommendation
This EM&A Report presents the findings of the EM&A activities undertaken during the period from 1 to 30 September 2020 in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual and the requirements of the Environmental Permit (EP-519/2016).
Air quality (1-hour TSP), noise and water quality (DO, turbidity and SS) were carried out in the reporting period.
The monitoring results for air quality monitoring (1-hour TSP) and construction noise monitoring complied with the Action/ Limit levels in the reporting period.
No Project-related Action/ Limit level exceedances were recorded for water quality after investigations.
Based on the monitoring results for soft shore ecological monitoring, there was no evidence showing any significant difference in intertidal communities when compared against the data obtained during baseline monitoring. The ET will continue to observe the change in density or the distribution pattern of horseshoe crab, seagrass and intertidal soft shore communities taking into account natural fluctuation in respect of the occurrence and distribution pattern.
Environmental site inspections were carried out during the reporting period. Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractor for the deficiencies identified during the site inspections.
There was no notification of summons or prosecution recorded in the reporting period. A total of five (5) environmental complaints related to dust emission were received in the reporting period. Investigations were conducted for the environmental complaints in accordance with the complaint handling process as stated in the Complaint Management Plan.
The ET will keep track on the construction works to confirm compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.
([1]) ERM (2018a). Updated Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual for Tung Chung New Town Extension. Deposited to EPD under EP-519/2016
([2]) Arup (2015). Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Tung Chung New Town Extension. Deposited to EPD under Register No. AEIAR-196/2016
([3]) Impact monitoring at monitoring station NMS-CA-1A commenced on 19 September 2018 in view of the close vicinity of the construction works near the residential area at Century Link.